RLA Pastor's blog

David was livid! Furious with rage! He had just been deeply offended by a man whose very name identified him as the fool he was. In response to David’s kindness, Nabal returned insults. Little did Nabal realize just how near he was to death. David and his band of four-hundred were quickly approaching fully armed. The revenge would be complete. By morning not a single male associated with Nabal would be left alive (1 Samuel 25:34).

Horrified at what her husband had done, Abigail knew she must act quickly. Following the example of Jacob who sent gifts ahead to appease his brother Esau, Abigail sent a very generous gift to David. The plan was to intercept David and his men before they arrived. Abigail then rushed to meet David on the way and gave one of the most eloquent speeches in the Bible.

In her speech she reminded David of God’s great purpose for his life. David was destined to rule over the house of Israel. But how could he rule Israel if he failed to rule his own soul? Abigail appealed to David not to do what he was on his way to do. It was better for Nabal to be judged by God than by David. Following her advice, Abigail reasoned, would prevent David from inflicting a blemish on his record and a burden on his conscience.

Listening to Abigail’s speech, David recognized the voice of the Lord. He answered,“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today!” (1 Samuel 25:32) David went on to acknowledge that Abigail’s intervention kept him from doing something he would later regret.

Have you ever thanked the Lord for the things He kept you from doing? Revelation 20:12 writes about the Book of Life that records the works of every human being. Have you ever thought of thanking the Lord for the sinful things that were not written down in your record?

Abigail’s intervention illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Like David, we are intent on doing some wrong thing. We were offended. We were hurt. We were provoked. As a result, we set our course of action and are hell-bent in our resolve. Disaster is surely in our path.

But we have an Advocate! The Holy Spirit reminds us of our God-given identity and purpose. He appeals to our better self to turn away from the wrong we meant to do. He reasons with us that we not stain our lives with sin, and cripple our future with regret.

It’s interesting that the name Abigail means maker of joy. Thanks to this godly woman, David would never have to live with regret of committing the sin he was bound to commit that day. Instead of regret, David would declare — He has made me glad!

When we obey the voice of the Holy Spirit sent to watch over our souls, rather than experiencing the sorrow that accompanies wrongdoing, we will experience the joy that comes with obedience. Realizing what He has saved us from, we will thank God for the Holy Spirit saying,“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent YOU to meet me today!”